DID YOU READ

Miss Piggy shares her thoughts on “The Muppets,” leading men, and her Oscar snub

It certainly is a good time to be a Muppet — or a Muppets fan, for that matter.

“The Muppets” took home an Oscar for “Best Song” at last month’s Academy Awards, and now Kermit and the gang’s latest adventure hits DVD and Blu-Ray this week. On top of all that, it’s starting to seem like Miss Piggy, Fozzie the Bear, or the green guy himself are everywhere you look these days, with enough appearances on television, radio, and online media outlets to make it feel like it’s the Muppets’ world right now… and we’re just living in it.

IFC managed to snag a few minutes with one of the stars of “The Muppets,” Miss Piggy, whose celebrated career has made her one of Hollywood’s true icons of cinema and television. In our brief interview, she offered up some thoughts on her return to the screen in “The Muppets,” her advice for up-and-coming actors, and her desire to go solo in the next Muppet movie.

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Miss Piggy shares her thoughts on “The Muppets,” leading men, and her Oscar snub

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IFC: Miss Piggy, I don’t normally do this, but let me start by saying that I’m honored to be talking with you right now…

MISS PIGGY: Of course. It is the greatest honor of your career… of your lifetime.

IFC: It is indeed. And congratulations on the Oscar the film received last month. That must have been very exciting for you.

MISS PIGGY: Thank you. Thank you. It would have made me a tad bit happier if it was the song that I sang from the movie.

IFC: Yes, that was a little disappointing. In fact, there were a lot of people saying you were snubbed in this year’s awards…

MISS PIGGY: Yes, well it’s not the first time. I’m snubbed every single year. I don’t care if I haven’t made a movie in 12 years, I still take offense to it.

IFC: Well, you did get to work with a great cast in “The Muppets,” especially the up-and-coming actors like Jason Segel and Amy Adams. When it comes to working with actors like that, who don’t have nearly as much experience in the industry as you do, what advice do you give them? After all, you’re a veteran performer compared to them…

But it’s true, moi is very much an established icon in Holywood, and the tips that I would give up and comers like Amy Adams are very simple, straightforward things.

Always find your light, but never mine [and] always make sure the camera can see you, but never come between the camera and moi. This is very helpful for young actors starting out in the business, and it keeps them healthy, too — healthy and out of the hospital.

IFC: I read in an interview that you were holding on to the Oscar for safekeeping. Is that true?

MISS PIGGY: Um, is somebody looking for it? . . . You know, I don’t actually have it on my mantle at the moment. I sent it out to get engraved.

IFC: Okay… well, let’s talk about “The Muppets” a little more. Do you know anything about the deleted scenes that are included on the disc? Did you have any memorable scenes that didn’t make it into the movie for some terrible reason?

MISS PIGGY: There were many fabulous scenes that moi was in that unfortunately did not make the final cut. Next movie, I get final cut. I’m just saying that now.

IFC: Noted.

MISS PIGGY: I don’t know if any of these scenes made it onto the DVD as bonus features, but yes, there were some fabulous scenes. There was quite a bit taken out of the scene where Kermit and moi were strolling. There was the whole flashback sequence. [Flashbacks] are a very new filmic device where you go into somebody’s head and you relive their memories. It’s very interesting. I don’t think anybody has done it before, and in fact we didn’t do it in the movie because it got cut.

IFC: You’ve shared the stage with so many famous leading men. If Kermit wasn’t available, is there another actor out there who you’d like to do a few films with?

MISS PIGGY: Well, I think Brad Pitt and I would make a great leading man and leading lady. Have you heard of him? Is his star quotient going down? Is it not on the rise anymore? Is there somebody else that I should be looking to do a movie with?

IFC: Well, I’m not sure — I mean, anyone who did a movie with you would have to be content to be in your shadow…

MISS PIGGY: That’s true. But I really am happy continuing to do movies with my Kermit.

IFC: How about a solo movie? Have you thought about going off and doing a Miss Piggy movie?

MISS PIGGY: Hmm. Well, I really would like for the next Muppet movie to not have any of the other Muppets in it. I think that would be a very entertaining movie, and I would get a lot more screen time — and it would make me and all of my fans very happy.

IFC: You’ve played so many different roles over the years — everything from a pirate to a plucky reporter. Is there a character you’d still like to play? Anything you haven’t done yet that might be interesting?

IFC: Well, my last question for you is a little off-beat, but it’s something I — and a few other people I know — have always wanted to know the answer to. It’s clear to anyone who’s seen your movies or television appearances that you’ve mastered a unique form of martial arts. What can you tell us about the fighting style you use in front of the camera?

MISS PIGGY: Well, it’s a combination of karate, judo, kick-boxing and something I made up.

IFC: Have you ever thought of teaching it to anyone else? I’m sure you’d have lots of willing students…

MISS PIGGY: I would, but it’s really something I only use as self defense… and when people insult me… or when I want to get my way.

IFC: Thank you so much for talking with me, Miss Piggy.

MISS PIGGY: And thank you!

“The Muppets” is available on DVD and Blu-Ray now. Chime in below or on Facebook or Twitter.

The Best Of The Last

The end is near. In mere days Portlandia wraps up its final season, and oh what a season it’s been. Lucky for you, you can watch the entire season right now right here and on the IFC app, including this free episode courtesy of Subaru.

But now, let’s take a moment to look back at some of the new classics Fred and Carrie have so thoughtfully bestowed upon us. (We’ll be looking back through tear-blurred eyes, but you do you.)

Couples Dinner

It’s not that being single sucks, it’s that you suck if you’re single.

Cancel it!

A sketch for anyone who has cancelled more appointments than they’ve kept. Which is everyone.

Forgotten America

This one’s a “Serial” killer…everything both right and wrong about true crime podcasts.

Wedding Planners

The only bad wedding is a boring wedding.

Disaster Hut

It’s only the end of the world if your doomsday kit doesn’t include rosé.

Your Portlandia Personality Test

Carrie and Fred understand that although we have so much in common, we’re each so beautifully unique and different. To help us navigate those differences, Portlandia has found an easy and honest way to embrace our special selves in the form of a progressive new traffic system: a specific lane for every kind of driver. It’s all in honor of the show’s 8th and final season, and it’s all presented by Subaru.

Ready to find out who you really are? Match your personality to a lane and hop on the expressway to self-understanding.

Lane 10: Trucks Piled With Junk

Your junk is falling out of your trunk. Shake a tail light, people — this lane is for you.

Lane 33: Twins

You’re like a Gemini, but waaaay more pedestrian. Maybe you and a friend just wear the same outfits a lot. Who cares, it’s just twinning enough to make you feel special.

Lane 27: Broken Windows

Bad luck follows you around and everyone knows it. Your proverbial seat is always damp from proverbial rain. Is this the universe telling you to swallow your pride? Yes.

Lane 69: Filthy Cars

You’re all about convenience. Getting your car washed while you drive is a no-brainer.

Lane 43: Newly Divorced Singles

It’s been a while since you’ve driven alone, and you don’t know the rules of the road anymore. What’s too fast? What’s too slow? Are you sending the right signals? Don’t worry, the breakdown lane is nearby if you need it.

Still can’t find a lane to match your personality? Check out all the videos here. And see the final season of Portlandia this spring on IFC.

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide

It’s the final countdown to Christmas and thanks to IFC’s movie marathon all Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you can revel in classic ’80s films AND find inspiration for your last-minute gifts. Here are our recommendations, if you need a head start:

Musical Instrument

Great analog entertainment substitute when you refuse to give your kid the Nintendo Switch they’ve been drooling over.

Breakfast In Bed

Any significant other or child would appreciate these Uncle Buck-approved flapjacks. Just make sure you’re not stuck on clean up duty.

Cocktail Supplies

You’ll need them to get through the holidays.

Dance Lessons

So you can learn to shake-shake-shake (unless you know ghosts willing to lend a hand).

Comfy Clothes

With all the holiday meals, there may be some…embigenning.

Get even more great inspiration all Christmas Eve and Day on IFC, and remember…